New dual-enrollment program allows Glendale Unified students more access to GCC
High school students attending Glendale Unified schools will have a greater opportunity next year to enroll in college-level courses under a new dual-enrollment program initiated by state legislation that took effect earlier this year.
Previously, local high school students could enroll in college-level courses outside of regular school hours.
Now, under Assembly Bill 288, high school students may enroll in college-level courses that will be offered during the regular school day and earn up to 15 units with Glendale Community College, instead of the six units they could earn before.
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Both Glendale Community College and Glendale Unified officials approved a memorandum of understanding on the new dual-enrollment program this month.
Under the agreement, courses taken at Glendale Unified schools will be taught by local college faculty, and officials expect to instruct about 300 high school students a year.
The impetus for the program is to better prepare students for college and careers, in addition to targeting high school students who are not necessarily college-bound by making their transition from high school to college — if they choose to pursue a post-graduate education — a little more seamless, according to school officials.
For that reason, courses offered will be tied to industries covered at Glendale Community College, leading students to earn either a certificate or credential.
High school students may enroll in a variety of courses including medical-office administration, digital illustration or architecture.
Burbank Unified falls within the Los Angeles Community College District’s jurisdiction, and Glendale Community College officials will look into creating a similar agreement with that district as well, according to David Viar, superintendent/president of Glendale Community College.
“That is the next step after we take care of our own service area, [the] Glendale Unified School District,” Viar said.
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Kelly Corrigan, kelly.corrigan@latimes.com
Twitter: @kellymcorrigan
